THE CLOUD CHAMBER

When 14-year-old Nate Chance and little sister Junie step off the school bus, they're greeted by police officers leading their bloodied father to an ambulance-apparently he attempted suicide. When no gun is found, Nate's mother comes under suspicion. Shunned by classmates and shut out by adults, Nate finds friendship and emotional support with another outcast as they build a cloud chamber for the science fair. Joel Johnstone's narration is spot-on as he puts the fear, confusion, and longing of a boy forced to grow up much too fast into every sentence. Although the story is told in the third person, you feel you're hearing Nate's own amazing voice. N.E.M. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 05/ JAN 06]